Fellow Ecologers: I enjoy reading the debates that occur on this listserv and am content to keep my opinion to myself, however, in response to this most recent discussion (or should I say mudslinging) about the differences between a PhD and an EdD I feel compelled to express my concerns. I am not well versed in the qualities, pros, cons, frustrations, rewards, opportunities or detriments of these two degrees, but the condescending comments sent across the listserv with respect to the EdD are disheartening. They are two styles of degree with different methods and possibly different results. In certain cases, the earning of a PhD may open more doors for a person towards their specific goals, while in others the EdD may be more appropriate.
My concern here is not which degree is more fitting for any specific individual, my concern is the bigoted opinions expressed. As scientists shouldn't we keep open minds about the world we live and work in? Isn't any form of higher education better than none? While in certain opinions a PhD is superior to an EdD, that shouldn't mean that an EdD is a waste of time and energy, it's just not your choice. To badmouth a practice available for furthering knowledge and understanding of any field is something that I see as impolite and intolerant. Any discussion had, journal article read, class taken or degree earned is a way that an individual has expanded their experiences and broadened their views and I cannot believe that any of it would be a waste of time or should be viewed as unworthy of the attentions of colleagues and peers. Education is what moves society forward. Please forgive me if I have spoken out of turn or offended. Sincerely, Adrian Roadman On Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 8:41 PM, Tupper, Mark (WorldFish) <[email protected]> wrote: > I'd beg to differ with that. If you want "opportunities" and "placement" > in aquatic biology and fisheries (i.e. a real job after university), get > a Ph.D. > > Get an Ed.D. if you want to be a bartender or make money in real estate. > > Mark Tupper > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Wayne Tyson > Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 6:07 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD > > EdD is a BS degree in makeup, and is for those who want "opportunities" > and > "placement." PhD is for the passionate. > > WT > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jay Beugly" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 11:18 AM > Subject: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD > > >> My name is Jayson Beugly. I am currently pursuing an EdD in science >> (aquatic >> biology and fisheries)and an opportunity to switch to a PhD has come > up. I >> am searching for advice on the pros and cons of the PhD vs EdD. There >> seems >> to be a bit of confusion regarding place and opportunities available > for >> recipients of these respective degrees. >> >> >> >> Thank You > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > -------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1995 - Release Date: > 03/11/09 > 08:28:00 >
